I'm very interested in throwing my hat in the ring, but I need to wait until I find out if I'll be able to due to some unpleasant personal business looming ahead in the near future. Would it be possible to join the game after its official start?

Michael Corvus, you may want to bold your question due to the amount of traffic in this thread. GMs have asked this so they can find questions back faster.(Unless they're around and already saw it, then I've said nothing!)

I'm very interested in throwing my hat in the ring, but I need to wait until I find out if I'll be able to due to some unpleasant personal business looming ahead in the near future. Would it be possible to join the game after its official start?

Yes, you might miss out on some opening stuff. The opening feast etc but you will be able to join.